calibrate

[kal-uh-breyt]

verb (used with object)

calibrated, calibrating 

1. to determine, check, or rectify the graduation of (any instrument giving quantitative measurements).

2. to divide or mark with gradations, graduations, or other indexes of degree, quantity, etc., as on a thermometer, measuring cup, or the like.

3. to determine the correct range for (an artillery gun, mortar, etc.) by observing where the fired projectile hits.

4. to plan or devise (something) carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc..

   a sales strategy calibrated to rich investors.

calibrate

/ ˈkælɪˌbreɪt /

verb

1. to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc)

2. to mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that readings can be made in appropriate units

3. to determine the accuracy of (a measuring instrument, etc)

4. to determine or check the range and accuracy of (a piece of artillery)

calibrate

1. To check, adjust, or standardize a measuring instrument, usually by comparing it with an accepted model.

2. To measure the diameter of the inside of a tube.

Other Word Forms

• calibration noun
• calibrator noun
• calibrater noun
• recalibrate verb (used with or without object)
• uncalibrated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calibrate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; calib(e)r + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The props turn slowly in unison—calibrating, calibrating—then spool furiously, a squadron of lawn mowers on deck.

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Central-bank officials use monthly statistical releases to calibrate their economic forecasts that guide their rate decisions.

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These measures are used to calibrate whether policy is loose, neutral or too tight.

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By refining global biostratigraphic frameworks and calibrating species' evolutionary timelines, INA researchers transform fossils of coccolithophores into precise tools for reconstructing ancient oceans, linking modern plankton ecology with the geological record of climate change.

Read more on Science Daily

So precise is the production process, that even the machines used to produce the devices are made and specially calibrated locally.

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Related Words

• adjust 
• assess 
• average 
• check 
• compute 
• determine 
• estimate 
• evaluate 
• fit 
• gauge 
• limit 
• mark 
• peg 
• quantify 
• rank 
• regulate 
• survey 
• weigh